Media Release

Dubai, Sep 8: Karnataka Sangha Dubai (KSD) successfully organized the 'Darts Tournament-2026' at the B-Town Auditorium in Mankhool on September 6 to foster cultural bonds and unity among Kannadigas in the UAE. The day-long event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 65 competitors across men's, women's, and children's categories.

The tournament served as a platform for expatriates to network and build a mutual support system amidst their professional lives abroad. A key focus was encouraging children to step away from digital gadgets and engage in physical sports to learn the values of friendship and sportsmanship. The active participation of young children, including Hitesh Gavaskar, Shivaraj Basavaraj Beth, Kushal Manjunath, and Saanvi Suresh Masoor, drew special appreciation from the gathering.

Prominent NRI entrepreneur and patron Dr B R Shetty inaugurated the event alongside KSD president Shashidhar Nagarajappa, patron Ronald Martis, businessman Ramachandra Hegde, vice president Daya Kirodian, joint secretary Mallikarjuna Gowda, and treasurer Nagaraj Rao.

The event was coordinated by a dedicated organizing team. Avirath Manohar Hegde and Yash Karkera served as sports conveners and referees, executing the vision of KSD general secretary Manohar Hegde. Shwetha Ram organized children's activities, while logistics, registration, and scoring were managed by Lawrence Nazareth, Sunil Gavaskar, Siddalingesh, Kavya Jogi, Hemalatha V K, Mamatha Razak, Kantha Gowda, and Reshma D'Souza. Antrija Prashanth compered the programme. Social media coverage was handled by Divyesh Udyar, the Karavali Cousins team, and YouTuber Santosh Shetty Polali.

Tournament winners

• Men's singles: Adesh Hasan (first), Nagaraj Rao Udupi (second), Akash (third)

• Women's singles: Hemalatha V K (first), Mamatha Abdul Razak (second), Chetana Gavaskar (third)

• Mixed doubles: Mamatha Abdul Razak & Puttu Raju Gowda (first), Rajeshwari Bandeshwar & Raghuveer Singh (second), Divyashree Nagaraj & Mallikarjuna Gowda (third)

• Children's category: Hitesh Gavaskar (first), Shivaraj Basavaraj Beth (second), Kushal Manjunath (third), Saanvi Suresh Masoor (participation)

• Overall enthusiastic player: Ayub

Prizes were distributed by Hariprasad Shetty, managing director of B-Town Restaurant, who generously sponsored the gift vouchers for the participants and winners. He was joined by Emaar senior commercial director Basavaraj Beth, Shashidhar Nagarajappa, Daya Kirodian, and the KSD executive committee members in felicitating the winners.